pessimistic
Americanadjective
Related Words
See cynical.
Other Word Forms
- nonpessimistic adjective
- nonpessimistically adverb
- overpessimistic adjective
- overpessimistically adverb
- pessimistically adverb
- unpessimistic adjective
- unpessimistically adverb
Etymology
Origin of pessimistic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The pessimistic case is that a prolonged conflict sends price shocks rippling through fertilizers, industrial chemicals and semiconductor production.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
Mayer was pessimistic about the Shields fight happening, pointing to the weight as an issue.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
On Monday, European Commission data showed businesses and consumers across the 21-nation currency area felt more pessimistic about their prospects.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
The oil shock already can be felt close to home, with higher gas prices at the pump leaving American consumers feeling pretty pessimistic.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 28, 2026
Yossarian turned away and trudged through the apartment with a gloomy scowl, peering with pessimistic curiosity into all the rooms.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.